The Solomon Islands capital is in lockdown after the discovery of a positive Covid-19 case in the community in Honiara.
The main port in Honiara. Photo: Solomon Islands Ports Authority
Earlier this week prime minister Manasseh Sogavare warned the country to expect the rapid spread of Covid-19 and deaths from the virus.
This was after confirmation that six out of 10 people who had illegally entered the country into Pelau in Ontong Java had tested postive for Covid-19.
The lockdown in the capital was initiated after a passenger on a ferry that travelled from Ontong Java to Honiara tested positive for the virus.
Contact tracing is underway for everyone who was onboard the vessel, MV Awka.
The lockdown for Honiara started at 6pm on Wednesday and will run until 6am on Saturday.
Police deputy commissioner of operations Juanita Matanga said the lockdown boundaries extended from Poha Bridge in Northwest Guadalcanal to Alligator Creek just past the airport in the east.
"I call on all communities in Honiara to adhere to health protocols and cooperate with each other to protect our family, community and the country as we try to manage the transmission of Covid-19 in our communities," Matanga said.
Matanga said police would be out and about should anyone need assistance, but she also reiterated the gravity of the situation.
"It is a lockdown and police will arrest and charge those who breach it. I ask you, my good people in Honiara, to stay home during the lockdown. Other essential services will be exempted and work during the lockdown period to attend other essential services."
Meanwhile, a foreign national on a recent flight from Australia has also tested positive for Covid-19 taking the Solomons tally of cases to 32.